Mark Hughes replaced Tony Pulis as manager of Stoke City after Pulis was fired last month. Hughes' first move as manager was signing winger Jermaine Pennant to a new one-year contract. Other than that, the new manager does not plan on adding a significant number of new players to the squad.

Stoke City announced the signing of two new coaches who will work under new manager Mark Hughes on June 20. Mark Bowen will serve as assistant manager to Hughes, while Eddie Niedzwiecki joins the squad as first team coach. Both men have previously worked with Hughes on other teams.

New-signee Jermaine Pennant says that the Stoke City fans were a huge reason for his signing a new contract with the squad. He believes this new era for the club with a change in management and attitude will help the club going forward.

In their first five games of the 2013-2014 season, Stoke City will face three tough opponents: Liverpool on opening day, Manchester City on September 14th and Arsenal a week later. Despite the difficult start, the Potters are embracing the challenge.

After the U.S. national team's 1-0 victory over Honduras, Stoke City's Geoff Cameron's dream of playing for the U.S. in the World Cup next year in Brazil are getting closer to becoming reality. Cameron has played a vital role for the stars and stripes by being featured in each of the U.S.'s World Cup Qualification matches this term.